The U.S. Men's National Soccer team arrived in Irvine, California, this week, marking the first public training session ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener scheduled for Friday in Inglewood. The practice at Great Park attracted roughly 5,500 spectators, many of whom had entered a lottery to secure tickets.
Community Support Grows
Mayor Larry Agran and councilmember Amir Aftabi, alongside community liaison Angela Ortiz, have turned the arrival into a celebration of regional pride, helping organize volunteer teams that guided fans and managed crowd flow.
During the session, veteran defender Tim Ream expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic crowd, noting that 'the energy out there fuels us.' Coach Carlos Sanchez, who runs a youth soccer program in the area, said the visibility of the national team could inspire young players to pursue the sport.
The basecamp at Great Park will serve as the team's home base for the coming weeks, providing a controlled environment as they fine‑tune strategies before the tournament's opening match. Organizers expect the event to leave a lasting imprint on the Orange County community, both culturally and economically.